Winsome Wisdom - The Return of the American Dream by Steve Chappell
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It was the Summer of ‘69. No, not the Bryan Adams classic that sings of young love while playing that old 6-string in a rock band and working at the drive-in. This summer event would forever change the world.
The sky was clear with an ambient temperature in the low 70’s as my plane touched down just after midnight at RAF Mildenhall, England. As a recently promoted 1st Lieutenant in the US Air Force, I was only 5 miles away from my final destination: a new assignment as commander of the security forces of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, England.
I was picked up at the Mildenhall terminal by a Clint Eastwood-looking tech sergeant named Bilbrey who grabbed my gear, tossed it the back of the Air Force blue Jeep he drove, and exclaimed, "...let’s get moving, Lieutenant. Captain’s waiting for us. He says get back to his quarters...PDQ!!"
PDQ? It was after midnight following a 6 hour flight from McGuire AFB, New Jersey, and I was worn out! What in heaven’s name did the Captain want to see me about at this hour?
As we turned into the main gate at RAF Lakenheath, we were met and escorted with flashing red lights by another official vehicle from the law enforcement section straight to the commanding officer’s quarters. By now, I’m thinking, "...what have I done to warrant this kind of reception?"
Upon arrival, I noticed a large number of cars parked around the block in the base housing neighborhood. As Sgt Bilbrey and I approached the CO’s quarters, I heard some familiar sounds. Animated talk, laughter, ice clinking in glasses. These folks were partying! "Guess I’m not in any trouble after all..." I thought to myself.
The date was July 21, 1969. The aforementioned party was being held to watch the first manned space landing and walk on the moon. It was a brand new summer day in England, and the beginning of a brand new American dream that now seems all but forgotten.
Here’s to the return of the American Dream!
The sky was clear with an ambient temperature in the low 70’s as my plane touched down just after midnight at RAF Mildenhall, England. As a recently promoted 1st Lieutenant in the US Air Force, I was only 5 miles away from my final destination: a new assignment as commander of the security forces of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, England.
I was picked up at the Mildenhall terminal by a Clint Eastwood-looking tech sergeant named Bilbrey who grabbed my gear, tossed it the back of the Air Force blue Jeep he drove, and exclaimed, "...let’s get moving, Lieutenant. Captain’s waiting for us. He says get back to his quarters...PDQ!!"
PDQ? It was after midnight following a 6 hour flight from McGuire AFB, New Jersey, and I was worn out! What in heaven’s name did the Captain want to see me about at this hour?
As we turned into the main gate at RAF Lakenheath, we were met and escorted with flashing red lights by another official vehicle from the law enforcement section straight to the commanding officer’s quarters. By now, I’m thinking, "...what have I done to warrant this kind of reception?"
Upon arrival, I noticed a large number of cars parked around the block in the base housing neighborhood. As Sgt Bilbrey and I approached the CO’s quarters, I heard some familiar sounds. Animated talk, laughter, ice clinking in glasses. These folks were partying! "Guess I’m not in any trouble after all..." I thought to myself.
The date was July 21, 1969. The aforementioned party was being held to watch the first manned space landing and walk on the moon. It was a brand new summer day in England, and the beginning of a brand new American dream that now seems all but forgotten.
Here’s to the return of the American Dream!
